Last-Minute Hocus Pocus Movie Night: Easy Snacks, Spells & Cozy Vibes for Halloween
Halloween has really snuck up on me this year. I’m not sure why but October has flown by for me! The weather is finally getting cooler where I live, though, and that’s put me in the mood for some spooky, cozy movie nights. Enter: the absolute classic, Hocus Pocus.
In my house we are Hocus Pocus superfans! If you love it as much as we do, you can pull together this themed night with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, plus a couple fun extras if you want to level it up. Perfect for families, or adults who still quote the movie daily. (“Amok! Amok! Amok!”)
So light your Black Flame Candle, and let’s make some Halloween memories.
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Spellbinding Snacks
Hot & Lightened-Up Truffle + Mushroom Cheese Dip
This one’s a showstopper. I threw this together the other night with what I had on hand, taking inspiration from this recipe from “Crumb: A Food Blog.” If you don’t have access to all those ingredients, it still gives a good starting point and is substitution-friendly. I made a few swaps to lighten it up as well.
Cheese blend:
- ⅓ cup Parmesan
- ⅓ cup Asiago
- ⅓ cup Mozzarella
- Since I didn’t have the truffle cheese that Isabelle used, I drizzled some truffle oil in. But you could skip it – or use Aldi’s truffle cheddar if that’s more accessible.
Creamy base swaps:
- Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
- Light mayo
- Neufchâtel cream cheese
It’s still rich, savory, & totally irresistible. You can’t go wrong with that mushroom + truffle flavor + cheese. Pairs beautifully with Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc if you’re making this a grown-up spell circle.
Coming soon: Full recipe post with printable card — I’ll link it right here once it’s live!
Serve with toasted baguette slices (instructions below!), pita chips, or fresh veggies.
Fun Fact: Craving mushrooms? They’re naturally rich in minerals that support mood regulation. So if mushrooms make you happy…that’s real magic.
Sanderson Sisters Broomsticks
The fastest themed snack ever:
- Pretzel sticks
- String cheese sticks (cut them into thirds and cut the bottom half of each piece into small broom ends)
- Just stick the pretzel stick into the top of the cheese stick and BOOM – cute snack!
“I Put a Spell on You” Popcorn Mix
Start with kettle or buttered popcorn and add:
- Halloween candy
- Mini pretzels
- Chocolate drizzle (optional)
Let the kids choose their mix-ins, just like creating their own potions! Dead man’s thumb, anyone?
Witch’s Brew: Drink Ideas for Everyone
Kid-friendly:
- Grape soda + lime sherbet = eerie bubbling cauldron
- “Black Cat” floats = root beer or Coke + vanilla ice cream
Adults-only (if you want):
- Red wine with cinnamon + orange slice (warm or chilled)
- Or crack open a pumpkin beer and call it a potion 😆
Easy Decorations You Can Grab Last-Minute
Even a few quick touches will set the spellcasting mood:
- Twinkle lights or fairy lights (these purple & orange ones are perfect!)
- Battery candles
- A purple or black table cover
- Cute Halloween picks for snacks ( I love these Hocus Pocus themed ones!)
- A mini cauldron for candy
- Shop all of the above and more in my Hocus Pocus Movie Night Benable list
Add Halloween playlists via Spotify → instant ambience.
Quick + Fun Activities
Keep energy up between scenes!
- Hocus Pocus Bingo: spot spells, quotes, and funny moments
- Costume challenge: 5 minutes to turn into a witch using scarves + hats
- Quote-along sheets for the iconic lines
If you want printables, I’m working on a set. I’ll link it here!
How to Toast the Perfect Baguette for Dipping
- Slice baguette into ½-inch pieces
- Brush lightly with olive oil (you can add seasonings to your oil first if you like)
- Toast at 400°F for 6–8 minutes until lightly golden
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt while warm (optional but delish)
Want More?
Check out my K-Pop Demon Hunters Movie Night blog post!
Printable Bingo + activity pack → coming soon
Lightened-up Truffle Mushroom Dip recipe → coming next
Follow along on Pinterest for new holiday ideas every week!
